Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Tarantula)

Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Tarantula)

Poecilotheria metallica is the only true blue tarantula in the world. Not a gray-blue. Not a violet-blue. A brilliant, metallic, electric blue that covers the carapace and femurs and looks photoshopped until you see it in person. Native to a small region of Andhra Pradesh, India, this is one of the smaller species in the Poecilotheria genus, reaching a mature leg span of around 5 to 6 inches. The bright yellow bands on the underside of the legs provide a striking contrast to the metallic blue body, making every single molt a show-stopping event. Captive bred specimens have been available for years, and their popularity has never faded. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss in its native range, which makes captive breeding efforts important to the long-term survival of the species. Every P. metallica sold helps preserve the wild population. Grab this Old World arboreal tarantula for sale today if you want the most famous blue tarantula on the planet.

Why do hobbyists keep Poecilotheria metallica?

Stunning Coloration: The only true blue tarantula in the world. Brilliant, metallic, electric blue covers the carapace and femurs. Bright yellow bands on the underside of the legs create a striking contrast that gets more vivid with every molt.

Bold Patterning: The contrast between the metallic blue body and the yellow ventral leg bands is unmatched in the hobby. Every molt reveals a more vivid version of this color combination.

Spiderling Coloration: Like all Poecilotheria "Pokies", P. metallica spiderlings also have amazing patterns that gradually change into their adult colorations as they grow. 

Feeding Response: Aggressive feeder with a strong prey drive. Will snatch prey from tongs with enthusiasm. One of the more responsive Poecilotheria at feeding time.

Amazing Display Species: Once established in a well-planted arboreal setup, this species tends to stay visible near its retreat. The blue and yellow coloration photographs beautifully and never gets old.

Hobby Favorite: Arguably the most famous tarantula in the hobby. The only true blue tarantula on the planet, and a species every keeper recognizes on sight.

How do hobbyists care for Poecilotheria metallica?

• Enclosure: Arboreal setup that is at least 3x the legspan it height and 2x the legspan in width and depth. We also suggest vertical cork bark that reaches near the top of the enclosure, plus foliage or magnetic ledges to support webbing. A taller-than-wide enclosure is required. Provide 4 to 6 inches of substrate for humidity retention.
• Temperature: 75-85°F. These animals also do fine at 65-75°F, but may grow slower. 
• Humidity: 65 to 80 percent. Mist one side of the enclosure weekly and allow it to dry out between mistings. Stagnant wet conditions are harmful.
• Diet: Feed appropriately sized insects once a week, no larger than the length of the tarantula's carapace (head). Slings readily accept pinhead crickets, small roaches, and flightless fruit flies. Juveniles and adults take crickets, dubia roaches, red runners, and the occasional superworm as a treat.
• Temperament: Old World speed and venom. Not a handling species. A display animal for keepers who respect medically significant venom. Bite is extremely painful and may require medical attention, but not deadly to healthy adults.

Are there any additional notes or considerations? 

• All animals are captive bred right here in the USA. No wild-harvested specimens.
• IUCN Red List species. Every captive bred P. metallica sold helps support the long-term survival of the species in captivity.
• Adult size: 5 to 6 inches in leg span. Females live 8 to 12+ years in captivity. Males mature faster and typically live 2 to 3 years post-maturity.
• Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over-misted.
• Provide a shallow water dish placed in an elevated position if possible. This is more natural for arboreal species and helps prevent crickets from falling in and drowning. Change the water at least once a week. All of our animals ship with a water dish already in the enclosure.
• Communal note: P. metallica can be kept communally, but ONLY with sac mates that were never separated. Do not combine separated slings of this species, even if only separated for one day. If you want a communal group, acquire them together as unseparated slings and keep them together from day one.
• Husbandry note: We rear our slings in larger enclosures with natural cork bark and foliage that allow climbing higher from day one. Combined with weekly feeding, we have observed that this approach produces stronger, more resilient animals by the time they reach you.

Add this Old World arboreal tarantula for sale to your collection today!

Listing Notes

• These specimens are unsexed